Flippers and Granite: Exploring the Wild West of Kangaroo Island
- Lauretta Stace
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Our journey around Kangaroo Island continues with a visit to the south and west ends of the Island. Part of this magnificent and rugged wilderness was severely impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires. It was great to see the recovery occurring and to witness the regions' transformation with abundant, bright green vegetation springing up amongst blackened tree limbs and scorched earth in previously devastated areas. It was also a sentinel warning about the horrors that can occur when wind and wildfires wreak havoc in dry, hot weather conditions. It was heartening to see some of the wildlife returning to the heathland and forests as their habitat recovers, including birds, lizards, koalas, wallabies and kangaroos. A walk around the Rocky River was a great way to view the regenerating bushland and see how resilient the plants and animals of this region really are.
Seal Bay
One of the mammals not affected by the wildfires is the Australian sea lion. Seal Bay Conservation Park is a significant location for observing and learning about Australian sea lions. It's also a world-renowned research facility for Australian sea lions, with ongoing research efforts aimed at understanding and addressing threats to their survival. Seal Bay is the third-largest breeding colony of Australian sea lions in the world. The surrounding coastline and sandy dunes were also stunning.
In the 19th century, American whaling and sealing vessels arrived and devastated the sea lion population to near-extinction for commercial gain. Thanks to conservation efforts, these beautiful creatures are now protected and their population is slowly regenerating. As nature conservationists, it was inspiring to be able to share their sanctuary with them for a brief moment in time.
The Wild West Coast
Our journey to the west end of the island included a stop at Vivonne Bay to indulge in the famous whiting burger at the General Store. It was a lovely place to enjoy lunch and the burger lived up to expectations. It was delicious!
Flinders Chase National Park
Up next was the Flinders Chase National Park to experience the rugged coastline, amazing granite formations, heath and grassland forests and wildlife in this awe-inspiring region that attracts visitors from all over the world.
Granite marvels Perched high above the southern ocean in Flinders Chase National Park, the impressive Remarkable Rocks form a cluster of precariously balanced granite boulders. This stunning work of nature has been shaped by the erosive forces of wind, sea spray and rain over some 500 million years. Some of the rocks are covered in golden orange lichen, making them very photogenic.
Coast
The coastline is stunning and includes some great walks around Cape du Couedic and Admirals Arch. The cape was named in January 1803 by the Baudin expedition, in memory of French naval officer Charles Louis Chevalier du Couëdic de Kergoualer. This is marked by a prominent lighthouse. You can also view the ruins of the lighthouse keepers store where supplies arrived by ship and had to be manually hauled up the cliffs.
Flippers galore
Australian seal lions mixed in with long nosed fur seals are easily seen around the Cape. We witnessed an abundance of these playful marine mammals of all age groups. Lying on the rocks and beaches, splashing in the shallow pools and diving under the crashing waves. It was wonderful to be able to watch them up close in their natural environment and marvel at their playfulness, speed and agility.
Hanson Bay
WIth warm and sunny weather, it was wonderful to be able to end each day with a swim at Hanson Bay. The beach is crystal clear, turqoise water which was deliciously refreshing. After that, we shared dinner with friends at our nearby campsite.
It was a very special experience to witness the regeneration of this beautiful place and to see what has been done to provide sanctuary and protection for the island's unique flora and fauna.
Watch our video on YouTube to see more.
Up next, we head east to Stokes Bay and Emu Bay.
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